Russ Marchuk Will Not Seek Re-election

Saskatchewan Party MLA Russ Marchuk today announced that he will not be running again in the upcoming provincial election.  Marchuk has been the MLA for Regina Douglas Park since 2011.

“After 46 years of service to education and my community, I have decided it is time to retire and not seek re-election ,” Marchuk said.  

“I am absolutely honoured to have been able to serve as the MLA for Regina Douglas Park for the past four years.  Whether it was knocking on doors during the campaign, meeting constituents in my office or welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly, I was constantly reminded of my roots and for that, I will be forever grateful.

“It is my intention to stay active in the Douglas Park constituency, including giving my full support to the next Saskatchewan Party candidate, whoever that may be.”

Marchuk made history in the 2011 provincial election by becoming the first candidate for any party to defeat the Leader of the CCF/NDP.  Marchuk beat then-NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter by just over 900 votes.

Premier Brad Wall thanked Marchuk for his tremendous contribution to the government and to the province through his lifetime of work in education.

“I can’t think of anyone who has done more at every level in the education system than Russ Marchuk,” Wall said.  “It’s a remarkable record of service.   Russ has been a teacher, vice-principal, principal, school board trustee, vice-chair and chair of the Regina Public School Board, education consultant with Treaty Four First Nations schools, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Education and himself the Minister of Education.  

“In all of these different roles, Russ Marchuk has made a tremendous contribution over the years to the education of thousands of Saskatchewan school children,” Wall said.  “Under Russ’s strong support for results-based education innovation, teachers, administrators and school divisions felt encouraged to develop and offer programs like the Tell Them From Me survey and the Saskatchewan Reads literacy initiative.  Our government is very fortunate to have had someone of his caliber as part of our team.”

“I want to thank our Premier for his leadership and for providing me with so many opportunities to contribute to our province,” Marchuk said.  “There are many accomplishments to be proud of but I am most proud of two new schools in our constituency – Arcola Community School and Douglas Park Elementary School.

“Saskatchewan is transformed, it is strong and growing, our outlook is positive and I am proud to have played a small part in that transformation.”

Marchuk will continue to serve as the MLA for Regina Douglas Park until the provincial election in April.